Tonga's Royal Corps of Musicians along with more than 1,500 international performers taking part in The Royal Edinburgh Military Tattoo have officially marched out of Sydney following huge plaudits from Australian audiences. The event, which takes place every August under the backdrop of Edinburgh Castle, was the biggest-ever in the Tattoo's 69-year history.

The Tattoo marked its return to Australia in style. This year at Sydney's ANZ Stadium, a life-sized Edinburgh Castle replica formed the backdrop for the event.

The four show extravaganza included performers and bands from 14 nations from across the world, also including Papua New Guinea, France, Cook Islands, Solomon Islands, Switzerland and the UK.

The Tattoo theme for Sydney was ‘At All Points of the Compass’ which was centred around a bold design, inspired by Indigenous art and the constellation of the Southern Cross, used by travellers to navigate in the southern hemisphere. Through their colourful performances, each act has taken the audience on a full circle around Australia, honing in on Australia’s place in the world, while celebrating the heritage and traditions of the participating nations.L

Lighting, sound and special effects representing the traditional fireworks associated with the iconic Scotland show, created an amazing scene around the ANZ Stadium for the 2.5-hour show – the longest ever produced in the Tattoo’s history.

The Royal Edinburgh Military Tattoo Chief Executive and Producer, Brigadier David Allfrey MBE, said the Sydney show was outstanding.

“Everything about this production has been extraordinary. This Tattoo has been nearly three years in the planning, it has been designed to place Australia and her heritage at the heart of an extravaganza, with a cast of close to 1,600 and technical support beyond anything we have brought together before.

They were supported by the Australian Defence Force, who flew in performers from the Pacific Islands, including Tonga.

The Australian Defence Force (ADF) provided a range of ceremonial and logistic support to the Royal Edinburgh Military Tattoo including more than 250 cast members, air and ground transport and co-ordination for participating nations.

General Campbell, of the Australian Defence Force, said: “The largest ever Tattoo in Sydney presented an international cast of talented performers from around the world. It is a unique celebration of music and military tradition in a colourful display of music, dance and military precision.

“Participation in the Tattoo allows Australia to demonstrate the professional skills and high performance of our armed forces. I am delighted that the ADF was once again part of this world-class event.”